News / News Bulletin

EU extends sanctions on Syrian government

Saturday, 28 May 2016 1:04 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 28 May 2016 1:05 PM ]

European Union flags outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels (file photo)

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

Saudi Arabia has launched fresh airstrikes on Yemen despite the ongoing UN-brokered peace talks in Kuwait aimed at ending the conflict. The latest bombardments have targeted Masloob district in Jawf province. Saudi jets have also pounded a base in Amran province more than 30 times.
Iraqi forces are pressing ahead with a major operation to recapture the key city of Fallujah, Daesh’s last major stronghold in Anbar province. The army has launched a three-pronged operation. Thousands of civilians trapped in Fallujah have escaped the city with the help of Iraqi forces.
Syria’s UN envoy slams the double standards of some countries in dealing with terrorism. Bashar Ja’afari made the remarks during the Security Council’s session to discuss the situation in the Middle East. Earlier this month, the US, Britain and France blocked attempts by Russia to blacklist Takfiri terrorist groups.
The European Union has extended its sanctions against the Syrian government for another year. They include an embargo on Syrian oil, investment restrictions and a freeze on the central bank's assets. The EU imposed sanctions on Syria in 2014 over the government's alleged repression of civilians.
Australian police have used pepper spray in clashes between pro- and anti-racism ralliers in Melbourne. Supporters of Islamophobic groups, the United Patriots Front and Reclaim Australia, attacked anti-racism marchers. The attackers chanted anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant slogans.
Lawmakers in Iran’s newly elected parliament have been sworn in. In a message to the new legislature, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called on the parliamentarians to prioritize the enhancement of resistance economy and the promotion of the Islamic culture.
Days ahead of the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims in Washington DC hand out roses to fellow Americans. The gesture is made at a time when anti-Muslim bigotry is on the rise in the US, and terrorists are committing acts of crime in the name of Islam.
Hundreds of Brazilians have staged a rally in Rio de Janeiro against the gang-rape of a teenage girl. The mass rape of the 16-year-old girl by more than thirty armed men came under the spotlight when the rapists posted graphic photos and videos on social media.